Carers in Clydebank received a cash boost before Christmas when the second Carer’s Allowance supplement was paid.

Carers who receive the DWP’s Carer’s Allowance were given up to an additional £442 from the Scottish Government in 2018.

This is the equivalent of a 13 per cent increase on the Carer’s Allowance from the UK Government.

Social security secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville thanked carers for the work they do in Scotland’s communities, and said that she felt they were more than worth the rise.

Ms Somerville said: “Carers make an invaluable contribution to Scottish society.

“Addressing the unfairness that Carer’s Allowance is one of the lowest working age benefits by introducing carer’s allowance supplement was one of the first commitments we made in light of our new social security powers.

“We are delighted to have successfully introduced and delivered carer’s allowance supplement to eligible carers across Scotland – making sure the second payment reached the majority of carers’ bank accounts before Christmas.

“Christmas can cause financial stress for many people, but for carers relying on Carer’s Allowance, it can be a particularly difficult time.”

Ms Somerville said the Scottish Government recognised carers’ invaluable contribution and in the 2019/20 Scottish budget it had committed to raising the supplement in line with inflation by 2.4 per cent, meaning 2019’s two lump sum payments will be £226.20 each.

David Wallace, chief executive of Social Security Scotland, also welcomed the move.

He added: “We are continuing to work hard to establish this new public service.

“We are delighted to have made our second round of Carer’s Allowance Supplement payments successfully.

“The feedback we are getting from carers on the service that we are providing - and what this benefit means to them - reinforces our passion and enthusiasm.

“It demonstrates that we are getting it right and truly treating people with dignity, fairness and respect.”